TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Tundra cruise control problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
2crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Tundra complaints focus on accelerator and cruise control malfunctions that owners describe as safety hazards. The most consistent failure is cruise control–triggered acceleration: when cruise is active at highway speeds on even slight inclines, the system commands maximum throttle and downshifts two gears abruptly. Multiple owners report this happens regularly—sometimes every 20 seconds on varied terrain—causing the truck to surge 5+ mph above the set speed and lose traction on wet roads. One owner reports this occurred on both of his 2005 Tundras identically.
Unintended acceleration also occurs without cruise control. Several owners describe the truck suddenly accelerating to 75–80 mph while their foot is off the gas, at low speeds while backing up, or when crossing large road bumps. Brake pressure does not reliably stop the acceleration; owners report needing to shift to Neutral or Park to regain control. One owner has experienced roughly a dozen such incidents since 2005. One owner also reports a sticking gas pedal that continues firing even with foot off the pedal.
A secondary issue involves secondary air injection system plastic fan breakage, blocking exhaust ports. One owner paid over $3,000 in repair costs. Toyota acknowledged this design defect for 2007–2010 models via extended warranty but declined coverage for 2005 model year vehicles.
Owners consistently report Toyota refuses to address these issues under warranty, stating the vehicles are not on recall lists and are out of warranty, despite acknowledging widespread complaints across Tundra forums.
Same Toyota Tundra cruise control reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control downshift and uncontrolled acceleration on hills
When cruise control is engaged at highway speeds and the vehicle encounters an uphill grade, the cruise control system commands maximum throttle, causing the transmission to downshift two gears. This results in sudden, rapid acceleration that can cause loss of traction on wet or loose surfaces and creates dangerous situations, especially when following other vehicles.
When: At highway speeds (45–75 mph) while driving uphill with cruise control engaged; can occur as frequently as every 20 seconds on varying terrain
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden full throttle acceleration when cruise control is active on inclines; Transmission downshifts two gears abruptly; Vehicle speed surges 5+ mph above set cruise speed; Rear tires lose traction on wet/loose surfaces; Extreme difficulty controlling vehicle on snowy or wet roads; Risk of rear-end collision when following semi trucks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota case #200510040775 documented; owners report Toyota has not recalled or repaired this issue
Unintended acceleration without cruise control engaged
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly to high speed (75–80 mph) while driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal, occurring both in neutral driving conditions and during specific maneuvers like backing up or crossing road bumps. Brake application does not reliably stop the acceleration; some owners report needing to shift to Neutral or Park.
When: Unpredictable; occurs at low speeds during backing/muddy conditions, at highway speeds without warning, and when crossing large road bumps; one owner reports roughly a dozen incidents over vehicle lifetime
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates to high speed with foot completely off gas pedal; Occurs without cruise control engaged; Brakes pushed to the floor do not stop vehicle; Happens at low speeds in muddy/off-road conditions; Happens at highway speeds without warning; Triggered by crossing major road bumps; Can occur while backing into driveway; Shifting to Neutral or Park required to regain control
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership returned vehicle with 'problem not found' after multiple acceleration incidents; owners report repair costs approaching $2,568 if dealership will perform work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refuses to address; states vehicles not included in recall and no longer under warranty; one owner reports Toyota customer service stated issue is not widespread enough to warrant remedy
Sticky accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal continues to stick in the depressed position, causing the vehicle to continue accelerating even when the driver's foot is completely off the pedal. Related to potential floor mat interference.
When: Repeated incidents, at least 3 confirmed; timing not specified beyond multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal sticks in depressed position; Vehicle continues to accelerate with foot off pedal; Possible floor mat interference
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer contact without response; repair costs not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Toyota customer service did not believe complaints; insurance denied claim attributing acceleration to driver error
Secondary air injection system plastic fan failure
Plastic fan in the secondary injection system breaks, and pieces lodge in exhaust ports, melting and blocking them. Results in loss of power and unsafe vehicle operation. Toyota extended warranty for 2007–2010 model years but not for 2005.
When: Mileage/timing not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly loses power; Engine does not run right; Safety hazard due to design flaw
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost exceeded $3,000; Toyota accepts the problem but refused to cover under warranty for 2005 model year
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota extended warranties for 2007–2010 model years; did not extend to 2005 model year despite acknowledging the design defect
Pump assembly air switch failure
Accelerator pedal fails to increase engine speed when depressed. Dealer confirmed pump assembly air switch requires replacement.
When: At 57,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to increase speed when accelerator pedal is depressed; No response to throttle input at 45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified pump assembly air switch as failed component; repair not completed by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but vehicle was not repaired
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2005 Toyota Tundra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Toyota Tundra?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 22,000 and 95,421 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 95,421. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Tundra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.